A blog for getting on with life clean and sober ...and for learning what's going on in the world

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Sept. 23, 2015 - Readings in Recovery: Today's Gift from Hazelden

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015

Today's thought from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:Prayer is neither black magic nor is it a form of demand note. Prayer in a relationship. -- John Heuss

A conversation requires two parts: talking and listening. When only we are talking, that is a monologue. When someone lectures, we listen. Prayer can be a form of conversation, yet if we examine the way we pray we may find it's a monologue.

We pray to ask for answers or guidance, to express our gratitude, and to bless those we care for. It's wonderful to open up a channel to our Higher Power by beginning the conversation, but unless we allow time to listen we will never really develop a dialogue.

We can begin to change our way of praying. We can limit our requests so we are not listing a series of wishes or demands. We can ask for patience to listen and then allow a few moments to listen. The answers will come to us and our guidance will be given when we are truly ready to receive them. An equal balance of talking and listening will help strengthen our relationship with our Higher Power.

I will pray and then listen, to allow my Higher Power some time to communicate with me.